Israel Remains A Key U.S. Ally In The Middle East

Floor Speech

Israel Remains A Key U.S. Ally In The Middle East

Ms. FOXX. With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington this week, it's important that we refocus on the unique relationship the U.S. shares with the Nation of Israel. This year is the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel. But 61 years of existence does not mean that Israel no longer faces profound threats to its very survival. Chief among those is the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran and Iran's continuing aggressive stance towards Israel in the region.

Making matters even more urgent, Iran announced today that it has successfully test-fired a missile that is capable of striking Israel in addition to U.S. military installations in the Middle East and parts of Southeastern Europe. With his typical rhetorical hammer and anvil, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that with today's missile launch, Iran is sending a strong message on the nuclear front: ``Today the Republic of Iran is running the show.''

While I doubt that this is the case, it is increasingly clear that Iran relishes its role as Middle East troublemaker and is nowhere near giving up its troubling belligerent stance toward our Israeli allies. Yet despite the threats and instability that proliferate in the Middle East, Israel has proven to be a steadfast ally to the U.S. and a model of a free and open democratic state in this troubled region. Since the time of its creation more than 60 years ago, Israel has served as an example of democracy and equal rights for her neighbors. Israel has also proved to be a steadfast ally to the United States in a variety of ways, particularly within our country's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

Since its founding in 1948, the State of Israel has served as a democratic anchor in the Middle East. Like the United States, the Israeli Declaration of Independence protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, a free press, free elections and many other tenets of a free society. Israel established a democracy in the midst of a politically tumultuous region and by guaranteeing the basic rights of her citizens, sets herself apart from her authoritarian neighbors. Israel prides herself on women's rights and equal pay for women in the workforce. The first female Prime Minister, Golda Meir, was elected in 1969, just 21 years after the formation of modern Israel. Women now serve as the Foreign Minister, Speaker of the Knesset and Chief Justice of the Israeli Supreme Court. Furthermore, Israel has recognized the necessity of providing equal rights regardless of gender or race and deserves to be commended.

Not only is Israel an example for her neighbor as a thriving democracy where citizens' rights are protected through the rule of law, she has also been an avid supporter in the global war on terror. The U.S. and Israel are continually working together to develop sophisticated military technology and improve Israel's defense systems and soldier protection. In the interest of global freedom, I hope and am confident that this friendship will continue in the future.

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